Click here - Stephen Pasture Seeds

LUCERNE 

GUIDE 

SPRING 2013 - AUTUMN 2014 

stephen Pasture seeds 

27 Wiltshire Lane, Ballarat 3356 

Ph: 03 5335 8055, Fax: 03 5335 8088 

www.stephenpastureseeds.com.au

contents 

3 Who are we 

4 SPS lucerne trial & demonstration sites 

5 Lucerne - the king of fodders 

6 A guide to successfully growing lucerne 

12 Preparation, establishment & management 

checklist 

13 Select the variety that best suits your needs 

14 Activity/dormancy groups 

20 Characteristics and relative performance of 

commercial lucerne varieties 

21 Pest and diseases of lucerne 

22 Tips on successful lucerne haymaking 

24 Lucerne silage 

24 Lucerne under irrigation 

25 SPS Tonic ‘n’ Lucerne 

27 SPS leading the way with seed coating 

29 New nodulator granules 

30 Australian seed federation 

30 More information 

31 The SPS team 

Ask Us For Your Local Distributor 

The recommendations or suggestions made in this publication are to be used as a guide only. For specific recommendations suited to 

your particular requirements, contact Stephen Pasture Seeds or your local agronomist/farm advisor. 

Research and advice with on farm results for over 55 years 

2

who Are we 

Established in 1957, Stephen Pasture Seeds (SPS) 

have created an enviable reputation of trust by 

providing technical agronomic advice to rural stores 

and farmers. SPS have one of the most experienced 

team of pasture seed technical advisers in Victoria, 

South Australia and Tasmania. We stock a large range 

of lucerne seed varieties and are major distributors for 

most Australian and many overseas seed companies. 

We are committed to providing the best agronomic 

advice to achieve your required outcomes supported by 

the highest quality seed available. Pasture production 

results can be affected by climate conditions but 

should never be affected by seed variety selection or 

seed quality. For agronomic advice on seed variety 

selection contact your local seed retailer or Stephen 

Pasture Seeds. 

Stephen Pasture Seeds also produce a Summer Forage Crop Guide and Pasture Seed News. 

To obtain copies please contact SPS on 03 5335 8055 or email: sps@stephenseeds.com.au 

Pasture Seed News 

Autumn 2013 

Summer 

F 

orage 

Crop 

guide 

pring 2013 - autumn 

2014 

Spring 

An unproductive onion grass 

paddock = low stocking rates 

and low returns 

An improved pasture = major animal 

production benefits and increased 

income on your farm 

Stephen Pasture Seeds 


Ph: 03 5335 8055, Fax: 03 5335 8088 

www.stephenpastureseeds.com.au 

Stephen Pasture Seeds 


Ph: 03 5335 8055, Fax: 03 5335 8088 

Visit our new website: www.stephenpastureseeds.com.au 


3

sPs LUcerne triAL & DeMonstrAtion sites 

In conjunction with PGG Wrightson Seeds, we have an intensive lucerne research and development trial 

programme to evaluate new and existing cultivars across key regions of Victoria and South Australia. This 

enables us as seed wholesalers to provide cultivar trial data from all major seed suppliers and then recommend 

to farmers the best option for them. Below is a list of existing lucerne demonstration sites including our major 

trial sites. 

Cobram Demo Site 

Boort Trial Site 

Meninge Demo Site 

Lucindale Trial Site 

Stratford Demo Site 

Lismore Demo Site 

Heyfi eld Demo Site 

Moolort (Maryborough) 

Trial Site 

PGG Wrightson Seeds Research 

Station Leigh Creek, Ballarat 

Lucerne field day near Ballarat 

SPS agronomy tour September 2012 

Pictured in Icon lucerne paddock near Sale, 

East Gippsland 

Ballarat dual-purpose lucerne trial sown 2006 


4

LUCERNE - The King Of Fodders 

Lucerne is without doubt the king of all fodder crops. Used worldwide it is a reliable, deep-rooted perennial 

legume suited to dryland and irrigation systems on a range of soil types across variable climatic conditions. Its 

main production periods are spring, summer and autumn producing high protein, highly digestible feed whether 

it is for grazing or haymaking. Lucerne can be sown alone or in some circumstances undersown with crops or 

sown in mixed pastures. 

Grazing lucerne in summer provides high quality feed while other pastures have dried off. This enables graziers to 

quickly finish young cattle or lambs to suit a particular market. The weight gains you can achieve are substantial. 

Lucerne offers excellent regrowth potential, depending on location and variety. Multiple (up to 5 or 6) grazings/ 

cuts are likely throughout the year depending on seasonal conditions or irrigation availability. 

Listed below are the major benefits that make lucerne such an exciting and profitable crop to grow: 

• HIGH QUALITY FORAGE – Improved live weight gains, milk production and hay quality. 

• VERY DIGESTIBLE – Lucerne is a very digestible forage and easily converts into measurable terms such 

as more milk, meat and wool. 

• HIGH DRY MATTER PRODUCTION – Bulk feed available. 

• PERENNIAL CROP – Three to ten years depending on location and farm management. 

• VARIETY OF USES – Hay, silage, grazing, nitrogen fixation for crops. 

• NITROGEN FIXATION – Fixes high levels of nitrogen, lucerne improves soil structure and improves 

protein levels in crops following lucerne. 

• DROUGHT TOLERANT – Extremely aggressive tap root system stores moisture and nutrients. 

• DISEASE AND INSECT RESISTANCE – Depending on variety. 

• WINTER DORMANCY – Some varieties are winter dormant for protection during times of stress. 

• CASH CROP – Sought after lucerne hay can provide valuable income. 

• VALUABLE DISEASE BREAK – Provides a valuable disease break in cropping rotations. 

• HERBICIDE RESISTANT WEEDS – Aids in the control of herbicide resistant weeds. 

• FLEXIBLE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS – Grazing, green manuring, hay and silage. 

• GROUND WATER RECHARGE – High water use to aid management of ground water recharge. 

• COMPANION LEGUME – Can be utilised in pasture blends in some circumstances. Refer page 25 - SPS 

Tonic ‘n’ Lucerne blend 


5

A Guide To Successfully Growing Lucerne 

Establishing lucerne can be risky, listed below 

are useful tips on helping you to achieve a good 

lucerne stand. 

1. Choosing The Right Paddock 

Lucerne has three requirements for successful 

establishment and persistence. 

• Lucerne will not tolerate acid soils with high 

aluminium levels. A soil test is essential to help 

determine the paddocks suitability for lucerne. 

This will tell you what needs to be added to the 

soil, eg: lime etc. Soil pH should be between 5.5 

to 6.5 for lucerne establishment. 

• Lucerne needs well-drained soils as it will not 

persist in waterlogged soils. 

• Lucerne needs to be managed differently from 

other pastures, it cannot be continuously stocked 

but must be rotationally grazed. 

2. Time of Sowing 

Early spring is generally better than autumn in southern 

areas for sowing lucerne, because winter weeds are 

more easily controlled, soil moisture levels are good 

and temperatures are rising - refer table below. This 

allows seedlings to germinate and grow quickly, 

however autumn sowing may be considered where 

lucerne is to be sown under a crop or where soils are 

likely to dry out quickly in spring. Generally speaking 

spring sowing is preferred in southern Victoria with 

winter dormant varieties so they are protected from 

the harsh, cold and moist conditions. Whereas north 

of the divide there is more flexibility as far as sowing 

in autumn or spring and choosing either a winter 

dormant or winter active cultivar due to the warmer 

climatic conditions there. 

3. Seed Bed Preparation and Sowing 

Weed control and seedbed preparation is essential. 

This may begin with spray topping in the previous 

spring to control seed set of annual grasses. A general 

recommendation in assisting paddock preparation 

and weed control is to crop the paddock with oats 

or annual ryegrass in the autumn prior to sowing the 

lucerne in the spring. This way the paddock is never 

out of production, lime can be incorporated (if required) 

into the soil a lot earlier and with an extra spray in the 

autumn, weeds can be reduced significantly. Prior to 

sowing in the spring the paddock should be sprayed 

again using a knockdown herbicide (eg: Roundup ® ). 

The paddock should then be cultivated and prepared 

to achieve a fine, firm, level, weed free seedbed. Use 

of pre-emergent herbicides, like Trifluralin, before 

sowing to control wireweed and problem grass weeds 

such as Silvergrass is also a good option. For rates 

please consult your local agronomist. 

Guide to soil temperature for selected regions 

Monthly soil temperature averages °C at 9am - 10cm depth (Source: Bureau of Meteorology (Averages from last 25 to 50 years) 

Station Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Vic - Gippsland (Sale) 20°C 20°C 18°C 15°C 11°C 9°C 8°C 9°C 11°C 14°C 17°C 18°C 

Vic - Western Vic (Hamilton) 19°C 20°C 17°C 13°C 11°C 8°C 7°C 8°C 10°C 12°C 14°C 17°C 

Vic - Northern Vic (Kyabram) 23°C 23°C 20°C 16°C 11°C 9°C 7°C 8°C 11°C 15°C 18°C 22°C 

Existing stand of lucerne on left. Ideal seed bed preparation for sowing lucerne on right 


6

4. DIRECT DRILLING 

Direct drilling is an option if lime isn’t required to be 

incorporated in the soil. Weeds should be sprayed 

with Roundup ® and the paddock eaten out to reduce 

competition (check with your local agronomist 

regarding rates etc). Direct drilling should take place 

while there is still moisture in the soil. 

insecticide which gives protection from Red Legged 

Earthmite attack for up to 4 weeks after sowing can 

also be included on request. This treatment comes 

under the brand name SPS SowEasy KickStart. For 

further information on treated seed see pages 27 to 

28. 

5. ALTERNATE ROWS AND UNDERSOWING 

LUCERNE 

An excellent technique to achieve good establishment 

under a crop is to sow alternate rows of lucerne and 

cereal, rather than undersowing the lucerne. This 

reduces competition between the two crops. Sowing 

rate of the lucerne should be 3-4 kg/ha (rate may vary 

with rainfall). If sowing lucerne under a crop, sowing 

rates of the crop should be reduced and winter active 

lucernes should be chosen because of their seedling 

vigour, to help in the lucerne’s establishment. This 

method is used in northern Victoria quite successfully. 

6. SOWING DEPTH 

It is important not to sow lucerne too deep, the seed 

should be covered by 1–2 cm of soil. Ensure there 

is adequate moisture in the topsoil. Use of light 

harrows or weldmesh behind the drill is best. Rolling 

is important to get good seed to soil contact and 

especially on lighter sandy loams. 

7. SEED TREATMENTS 

For successful and prompt establishment of your 

lucerne stand it is important to have the seed inoculated. 

Stephen Pasture Seeds are members of the Australian 

Seed Federation (ASF) and subscribe to the ASF 

Code of Practice. The coating process through our 

computerised coating plant gives the seed a much 

higher quality coat with extended rhizobia shelf life. 

Apron fungicide is also included in the coat. Gaucho ® 

8. FERTILISER 

Alpha 1 lucerne nodulating 

Phosphorus is the key element in lucerne growth 

and development and should be sown with the 

seed. Generally single superphosphate should be 

sown at about 250–300 kg/ha. There are other more 

concentrated forms of superphosphate available on 

the market eg. double and triple super. Rates would 

be lower using these products. Please contact your 

local fertiliser representative to get more accurate 

application rates. As mentioned before, a soil test 

will tell you exactly what is required (eg lime, other 

nutrients etc) to get the best strike of lucerne in your 

paddock. Potassium is another important nutrient for 

successful lucerne stands, unlike superphosphate it 

should not be used at sowing because it can effect 

germination of the seed. Potash should be applied 

with superphosphate as an annual application to your 

lucerne stand especially if you are cutting your lucerne 

for hay, as nutrients are removed with hay. A soil 

test every 2–4 years is advisable in your established 

stand to correct defi ciencies and therefore maximise 

production. 


7

10. PESTS 

Red legged earthmite (RLEM) and aphids can quickly 

kill seedlings. Spray with Le Mat ® or other appropriate 

insecticides as soon as they appear. Le Mat ® can be 

tank mixed with Roundup ® prior to sowing to protect 

the initial few weeks of a lucerne crop. This period is 

critical and can be the difference between a disaster 

crop or an excellent crop of lucerne. See page 28 for 

more information on SPS KickStart ® treated seed for 

RLEM control. Also some varieties can offer better 

aphid resistance than other varieties. 

9. TOP DRESSING 

Nutrient removal is a major issue in lucerne because it 

is such a productive plant. Assuming all major nutrient 

defi ciencies were corrected at or before establishment, 

then the aim is to set up a top dressing programme, 

which simply replaces nutrients removed from the 

paddock on a yearly or half yearly basis and makes 

some allowance for nutrient leaching (dependant on 

the soil type). 

In recent years slugs have been a real problem in 

decimating newly sown pastures, crops and lucerne. 

Heavy soil types, summer rains and reduced tillage 

are all factors which promote the build up of slug 

populations. Inspect potential paddocks prior to 

sowing and if found contact your local agronomist for 

control of this devastating pest. 

NUTRIENT SYMBOL 

AMOUNT REMOVED 

IN 1T DM OF 

LUCERNE HAY 

Nitrogen N 20-30 kg 

Phosphorus P 2-3 kg 

Potassium K 15-20 kg 

Sulphur S 2-4 kg 

Calcium Ca 10-17 kg 

Magnesium Mg 2-4 kg 

Boron B 25-40 g 

Copper Cu 5-10 g 

Iron Fe 50-150 g 

Manganese Mn 35-50 g 

Zinc Zn 20-50 g 

Red legged earthmites (RLEM) 

Blue green aphids 

When you consider that irrigated stands typically 

yield 12-15 tDM/ha with yields of 20-22 tDM/ha not 

out of the question, you can understand the need for 

correct nutrient replacement. Nitrogen is not usually 

required, as lucerne will fi x more than enough for its 

own requirement. Interestingly, research shows that 

sometimes supplying one limited nutrient will give 

no response but by supplying a cocktail of limited 

nutrients, signifi cant responses are achieved. The 

main nutrients that are often limiting growth on acid 

soils are, phosphorus, sulphur, zinc and boron. 

Slug 


8

11. DISEASE 

Most lucerne diseases are infectious and are 

caused by living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, 

nematodes and mycoplasma-type organisms. Most 

of the diseases which occur are caused by fungi 

which survive on dead plant tissue, in the soil or on 

living tissue. They penetrate plant tissue by piercing 

the outer membrane of the plant. Most common 

fungal diseases in Victoria are Damping Off, Root 

Rot, Crown Rot and Common and Pepper Leaf Spot. 

By choosing new varieties that offer better disease 

resistance (see page 20 Characteristics and Relative 

Performance of Commercial Lucerne Varieties table) 

will help in prevention of these diseases occurring and 

therefore increases overall yields and persistence of 

your lucerne stand. As an example if you are able to 

irrigate your lucerne or the paddock does not drain as 

well as it should, then it would be advisable to choose 

a variety with high Root Rot tolerance. 

13. SOWING RATE 

Generally depends on rainfall as shown below. 

Rainfall (mm) 

Sowing Rate (kg/ha) 

Below 400 4-6 

400-600 6-8 

600-750 8-10 

750-900+ 10-20 

Irrigation 20-25 

Sowing rates should be treated as the minimum 

required, and are recommended on the basis of 

excellent establishment results. Generally most 

farmers increase these sowing rates by 1-2 kg/ha to 

compensate for some plants not establishing. Plant 

density of lucerne stands are viable at approximately 

12 plants/m² dryland and 30 plants/m² under irrigation. 

common Lucerne Diseases 

Leaf and stem disease 

Phytophthora root rot 

Colletotrichum crown rot 

12. SEED QUALITY 

Ensure that you purchase high quality seed and 

don’t settle for anything less. Poor quality seed will 

only lead to costly resowings and will cause minimal 

establishment and thin stands vulnerable to weed 

invasion or will introduce unwanted weeds and seed 

borne disease to your farm. Newer varieties may 

be more expensive initially, but variety selection 

decisions should be based on long term returns, 

not a short-term focus on the price of seed. There 

is a wide range of different cultivars available, all 

have differing growth characteristics, but since it is 

almost impossible to identify the different cultivars by 

examining their botanical features, it is essential that 

intending growers purchase certifi ed seed in order 

to be confi dent about the product they are using. 

Remember, seed usually represents less than 5% of 

the growing costs of productive lucerne stands, use 

the best varieties for the job and plenty of it. If you 

wish to cut costs, look elsewhere, as seed represents 

a low cost but has a signifi cant bearing on the results. 

Ensure that you purchase high quality certified seed 

and don’t settle for anything less 


9

14. MANAGEMENT = PERSISTENCE 

Generally speaking the persistence of a stand of 

lucerne will depend largely on the way it is managed. 

Winter dormant and semi winter dormant varieties will 

live longer than winter active and highly winter active 

varieties. The longer you can get a stand to persist, 

the more economic it becomes. 

Winter dormant varieties (because of their lower 

crown) are generally more suited to grazing than 

winter active types. When grazing winter active 

varieties, care must be taken not to eat out the crown 

(winter active varieties have a higher crown than 

winter dormants). Strict rotational grazing must be 

employed and a recovery period must be allowed for 

the lucerne to regrow prior to future grazing. 

It is generally accepted the optimum management 

strategy for maximum productivity and persistence of 

lucerne in its fi rst year is to have the stand at least 20 

cm high and preferably 10% fl owering before fi rst cut 

or grazing. This allows adequate root reserves to be 

laid down for strong regrowth after cutting. 

Another good indication on when to fi rst cut or 

graze young stands (or old stands) is to look for the 

appearance of 2cm long new shoots (secondary 

regrowth) from the crown of the plant. This may 

be a more reliable indicator than the 10% fl owering 

yardstick. 

Growth of all lucerne varieties slows down in winter 

(even winter active varieties). The lucerne plant cannot 

produce adequate energy by photosynthesis, so that 

it must draw on reserves in the roots for survival. It is 

therefore very important for a long stand life to allow 

lucerne to fl ower at least 50% before the last cut or 

graze of the season. This allows the plant to promote 

an accumulation of energy reserves in the roots. 

This enables the plant to cope with stress during the 

winter, resulting in a healthy plant in the spring. By 

doing this you can hold your lucerne over and graze 

it during the winter thus providing very valuable feed. 

Another reason for grazing stands in winter is to make 

weeds more exposed for better herbicide control later 

in winter–early spring. This management strategy is 

widely used by professional lucerne growers to get 

a cleaner fi rst cut in the following spring resulting in 

better quality lucerne. 

For maximum quality and persistence, cut or graze 

lucerne when most crown shoots (secondary growth) 

are between 1 and 2 cm long on just over half of the 

plants and below mower height (5 cm in this example). 

Do not allow cutting or grazing into crown shoots 

(secondary growth phase) as this will weaken the 

plant and affect overall persistence of your stand. 

Set Set stocking lucerne will will severely reduce the persistence of of your your stand 


10

15. ANIMAL HEALTH 

Lucerne results in few animal health problems. The 

most important problem to be aware of is bloat. Bloat 

affects mainly cattle but sheep can also be at risk. 

Bloat capsules are effective in cattle, but only as a 

prevention. Red Gut and Nitrate poisoning can also 

occur when lucerne is rapidly growing and reaching 

high protein levels. Avoid grazing lucerne when 

it is fresh and lush or when the stand is immature. 

Mature stands are much safer. Also don’t turn hungry 

stock into lush lucerne stands. Make sure they are 

pre-fed with dry roughage. 

Be aware of bloat, particularly in cattle grazing 

actively growing lucerne in the spring 

16. WEED CONTROL 

Weeds in lucerne not only reduce the fodder quality, 

but also reduce the useful stand life. The likely 

contributors to weed build up include poor weed 

control prior to planting, poor plant nutrition, poor 

soil drainage, soil acidity, over grazing, too frequent 

or poorly timed cutting, low sowing rates and pest or 

disease problems. Broad leaf weeds can be controlled 

in the lucernes fi rst year with Buttress ® or Jaguar ® , 

please consult your local chemical representative, for 

rates etc and timing. In the lucerne stands subsequent 

years Spray.Seed ® tank mixed with Diuron 900WG 

is an excellent management practice to keep your 

lucerne stand clean of broad leaf and grass weeds 

and this is done when lucerne is most dormant around 

June or July as mentioned previously. Again consult 

your local chemical suppliers for further information. 

Stamina ® 5 lucerne recovering from a winter clean 


11

PREPARATION, ESTABLISHMENT & MANAGEMENT 

CHECKLIST 

Before sowing, please take the time to check that you have got everything right to ensure a successful 

result. This will ensure you get the best return on the money invested in seed, fertiliser and drilling 

costs. 

Choose a paddock which is free draining and do a soil test. 

Apply lime if pH is below 5.0 (CaCl 2 ), at approx 2.5 t/ha. 

Incorporate lime into soil when cultivating 3-6 months prior to sowing lucerne or when cropping the 

paddocks before lucerne. 

Plan for weed and pest control in the year prior to sowing eg crop paddock prior to sowing lucerne. 

Sow lucerne following knockdown herbicide (Roundup ® Attack) for weed control. Tank mix Le-Mat ® if 

Red Legged Earthmite (RLEM) are present. 

Paddock should be cultivated and prepared to achieve a fine, firm weed free seedbed. 

Use pre-emergent herbicides (eg Trifluralin) if Wireweed, Barley Grass etc. is a problem. Choose a lucerne 

variety that suits your needs, taking into consideration pest and disease resistance. Refer to the variety 

section in this publication. Purchase high quality certified seed. 

Make sure seed is SPS SowEasy coated to help ensure greater establishment (a worthwhile insurance). 

Seed can also be SPS KickStart ® treated using Gaucho ® insecticide for RLEM protection, see page 28 for 

more information. 

Drill seed into moist soil to a depth of 1-2cm. Use of light harrow or weldmesh behind the drill is best. Roll 

if moisture retention is important. 

Sow at recommended sowing rate depending on rainfall or irrigation. See sowing rates on page 9. 

Provide adequate fertiliser for strong seedling growth and root development. See Fertiliser and Top 

Dressing info on pages 7 & 8. 

Keep an eye out for RLEM and spray if they appear. SPS KickStart ® treated seed gives up to 4 weeks 

protection from RLEM attack. 

In the lucerne stands first year it is essential to have the stand be at least 20cm high and preferably 10% 

flowering before first cut or grazing. 

GOOD LUCK 

As with all farming activities we cannot control the weather, but with good preparation and good 

management you can ensure a good crop. 


12

SELECT THE VARIETY THAT BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS 

Lucerne has undergone great development in Australia since spotted alfalfa aphids appeared in 1977, 

wiping out much of the country’s lucerne stands. 

At the time there was basically only one variety grown, Hunter River. This variety was a selection from 

lucerne stands in the Hunter River Valley in NSW and most likely came from seed originally introduced 

during the early years of the colony. Since the introduction of lucerne over 200 years ago it had become 

well adapted to our environment and grazing systems but it had no resistance to aphids. 

After over 30 years of breeding and variety introductions Australian growers now have the choice of 

more than 50 lucerne varieties currently on the market, but with this number available selecting the right 

one may seem daunting. 

Choosing the appropriate lucerne variety is a key step towards achieving a productive, persistent stand. 

Varieties must suit the environment, the management system and markets. 

Selecting the correct lucerne depends on each farmer’s priorities. Consider the following three questions 

to decide on a winter activity group: 

• When do you need the feed most 

• How long do you want the lucerne stand to persist 

• What will be its main use (grazing, hay production or both) 

Above photo and graph acknowledgement: 

Success with Dryland Lucerne - Mark Stanly & Raymond Christinat. 

LEAF:STEM RATIO 

The ratio of leaf to stem in a variety is often considered 

important when deciding on which variety to grow. 

Quality of lucerne hay is directly related to the amount 

of leaf present. Highly winter active varieties generally 

have a lower proportion of leaf to stem and thicker 

stems at maturity, compared with more dormant 

varieties. However, management and disease will 

have a much greater effect on the proportion of leaf in 

hay than will the variety selected. 


13

ActiVitY/DorMAncY groUPs 

Lucerne varieties are categorised into three groups. They are semi winter dormant, winter active and 

highly winter active. Listed below is a brief description of the current varieties and their winter activity 

grouping. This can also be seen in the table showing each varieties pest and disease resistance status 

as well as their winter activity rating on page 20. 

seMi winter DorMAnt (winter activity 5) 

These varieties grow signifi cantly slower in winter than in summer. The plants appear to use the dormant (or 

slow growth period) in winter to build up reserves in the roots. They also form lower crowns, with thicker semi 

prostrate growth than winter actives. Irrespective of disease resistance, semi winter dormant types are more 

likely to have a longer stand life under frequent cutting and/or grazing and generally give the best all round 

performance of all groups and are harder to mismanage. 

STAMINA ® 5 

Stamina ® 5 is a semi-dormant lucerne with little winter growth while delivering 

excellent yield and quality throughout the warmer months. It is an ideal choice 

where a stand is required for prolonged periods of set stocking. High yielding, 

especially under dryland conditions. Outstanding persistence and produces 

excellent quality hay. Good resistance to most lucerne diseases and pests. 

Stamina ® 5 showing excellent persistence under heavy grazing compared to older traditional varieties 

at PGG Wrightson Seeds Research Station Leigh Creek, Ballarat 


14

evaluation of grazing tolerant Lucernes 

The data below from the 2006 sown Ballarat lucerne trial shows the ground cover percentages after a fi ve 

month period of heavy, continuous grazing pressure at 50 sheep/ha. 

Figure 1 shows the results after a 5 month period of continuous grazing (fi rst assessed on the 7th April 2010). 

Figure 2 is the same trial after another 6 months of only limited grazing (assessed on the 8th September 2010). 

It shows further decline in stand persistence of the non-grazing tolerant types and the ability of Stamina ® 5 

to tolerate extended periods of less than ideal grazing management. Most Australian farmers understand the 

need for appropriate spells to enable lucerne to replenish carbohydrate reserves. In times of drought, however, 

lucerne will be overgrazed and the benefi ts of grazing tolerant lucerne types, such as Stamina 5 ® , should be 

signifi cant. 

These trials have been conducted using the standard test protocol outlined for the evaluation of grazing 

tolerant lucernes. 

For more information ask SPS for a copy of the published research paper, Evaluation of Grazing Tolerant 

Lucernes, Sewell et al. (2012). 

Figure 1. 2006-2010 Grazing Tolerant Lucerne Trial, Ballarat. 

Figure 2. 2006-2010 Grazing Tolerant Lucerne Trial, Ballarat. 

Ground cover %/metre row 

07-Apr-2010 

LSD = 14.5 

CV% = 15.2 

Ground cover %/metre row 

08-Sep-2010 

LSD = 15.5 

CV% = 25.9 

VenUs (5) 

sArDi FiVe (5) 

Venus is a semi winter dormant lucerne bred by NSW Agriculture that offers 

superior persistence and productivity in marginal dryland areas. Venus was bred 

to provide an alternative to the aphid susceptible ‘Hunter River’, it has good 

resistance to aphids and moderate resistance to Phytophthora Root Rot. 

Venus has shown in fi eld trials to persist under marginal conditions when grazing 

management is less than ideal (refer to above data). This is due to the spreading 

nature of the crowns which maintain a higher degree of ground cover compared 

to other varieties. This ensures less weeds, more lucerne and higher pasture 

productivity. A variety to select especially in dryland areas where grazing is a 

high priority. 

Sardi Five has improved resistance in crown and root disease with very good 

persistence in cold wet conditions throughout southern Victoria. Being a winter 

dormant variety Sardi Five has a very bushy, dense growth habit making it an 

excellent option for premium quality hay production. Ideally suited under irrigation 

and is a direct replacement for Prime which is no longer available. 


15

WINTER ACTIVE (winter activity 6 – 7) 

Varieties in this group can continue to grow provided temperatures are suitable. Winter active varieties are more 

susceptible to damage from low temperatures than more winter dormant types. They establish a little faster, 

therefore tend to produce more in the first year. All winter active varieties have smaller erect crowns resulting in 

a less dense stand and a shorter stand life. In humid environments winter active varieties are more susceptible 

to leaf disease. They tend to have less grazing tolerance than the more dormant varieties and strict rotational 

grazing management of these varieties are required. 

AURORA (6) 

HUNTERFIELD (6) 

STAMINA ® GT6 (6) 

TRIFECTA (7) 

SARDI SEVEN (7) 

A winter active with good resistance to all the main pests and diseases. At the 

time of its release, Aurora had higher resistance to Spotted Alfalfa Aphids and 

Phytophthora Root Rot than any other cultivar in Australia. It is also a multipurpose 

type suited to grazing and hay in irrigated and dryland areas. For 

these reasons Aurora was a big success and until recently was considered the 

benchmark in Australian lucernes. Icon is the recommended alternative, see 

page 17 for details. 

Hunterfield was bred from Hunter River. It is not well suited to heavy soils and 

is susceptible to Phytophthora Root Rot, Anthracnose, Stem Nematodes and 

Bacterial Wilt. Because of this Hunterfield is superseded by newer varieties, such 

as Icon. 

Stamina ® GT6 combines useful winter growth, great persistence and the ability 

to tolerate set stocking of sheep. It provides excellent yield and quality during 

warmer growing months. Selected from long-term Australian lucerne grazing 

trials. Maintains stand density over many years. Good resistance to most lucerne 

diseases and pests. 

Trifecta is another winter active variety that has been available for many years. It 

was bred from Hunter River but has a good level of resistance to Aphids, Crown 

and Root Rot, which improves its persistence. Trifecta is being outclassed by 

recently bred varieties with a similar activity rating. There are varieties with better 

disease resistance and persistence such as Icon and Sardi Seven. 

A new variety with similar activity to Aurora, Hunterfield and Trifecta. Sardi 

Seven was bred to have better performance compared to these varieties as far 

as dryland persistence, yield, forage quality and disease resistance. Australian 

bred, Sardi Seven will be suited to growers wanting premium hay combined with 

high persistence for the life of the stand. 

Sheep grazing Icon lucerne at 

Carngham near Ballarat 

Sheep grazing Icon lucerne at Chepstow near Ballarat, Victoria 


16

hAYMAster (7) 

A winter-active (7), high yielding and high quality lucerne for premium hay cuts 

and grazing. Haymaster ® 7 is resistant to several important lucerne pests, has 

good leaf:stem ratio, fi ne stems and low stem fi bre for highly digestible hay and 

retains good dark green colour and leaf holding ability. 

(7) Plants were selected on plant characteristics, superior fodder yields and improved 

disease and pest resistance. The aim of breeding Icon was to produce a broadly 

adapted and high yielding variety by selection of superior plants from within a 

proven variety. Plants are moderately tall with semi-erect leafy stems. Icon plants 

are semi-winter active (rating 6-7) with strong summer growth. 

To assess hay production potential in South Australia, two hay cuts were taken in 

a two year old stand in summer 2003-04. In the fi rst cut Icon out yielded Aurora 

by 16% and in the second cut by 32%. For farmers wanting a more productive 

variety than Aurora with vigorous recovery from cutting and grazing as well as 

good survival under grazing, then Icon is the ideal choice. 

Excellent stocks of high quality seed is available due to Icon’s reliable seed 

production with crops grown locally in South Australia. This enables Icon to be 

economically priced compared to existing varieties on the market. 

(7) Titan 7 is a new variety that is highly recommended for irrigation and dryland 

growers seeking a stand that combines both yield and quality hay production. 

Titan 7 offers a superior disease & insect package; it is highly resistant to all three 

strains of Colletotrichum crown rot (Races 1,2, 4) and spotted alfalfa aphid. It is 

also resistant to blue green aphid and Phytophthora root rot. 

Trial sown: 

16/10/08 

LSD 0.05: 3477 

CV%: 7.3 

Icon lucerne stand near Avoca, Victoria. Note: dried off pasture in background. Picture taken December 


17

HIGHLY WINTER ACTIVE (winter activity 8 – 10) 

Highly winter active varieties have very vigorous seedlings at establishment and show the fastest recovery from 

cutting and the most winter growth. Strict rotational grazing is essential for these varieties to persist. Highly 

winter actives have high production for at least three years so are ideally suited as a short pasture phase in a 

cropping rotation, this therefore makes strict grazing management less critical. With good management they 

can persist for a lot longer. 

WL 925 HQ (9) Highly winter active, producing premium lucerne hay and grazing options. With 

dense dark green leaves to the base of the plant WL 925HQ combines exceptional 

forage quality, yield, persistence and year round growth. It recovers quickly from 

cutting and grazing. Broad spectrum pest and disease resistance. 

CUF 101 (9) 

CUF 101 is a public variety, which revolutionised the lucerne industry, when it was 

introduced in the 70’s because it was the first of the highly winter active varieties 

that was well adapted to most lucerne growing areas of the world. Superseded 

by SGA Alpha 1 - see page 19. 

SIRIVER (9) Now superseded by the new improved SGA Alpha 1 - see page 19. 

CROPPER 9.5 (9.5) Quick to establish, Cropper 9.5 is ideal for winter grazing and hay production. 

Sheep can graze cereal stubble with high protein lucerne throughout the following 

summer, autumn and beyond. Ideal for a 3–4 year break between cereal crops– 

suits under-sowing of cereals. Excellent for high quality hay. Good overall disease 

resistance. 

(9) Titan 9 is highly recommended for growers seeking high production under irrigation 

and superior persistence compared to other highly winter active varieties. Titan 

9 produces soft leafy hay and is quick to regrow after cutting. Titan 9 is highly 

resistant to Colletotrichum crown rot Race 4 and highly resistant to Phytophthora 

root rot, resistant to Colletotrichum crown rot Races 1, blue green aphid and 

spotted alfalfa aphid. 

Adrian Carter (SPS SA Territory Manager) pictured in a SGA Alpha 1 lucerne stand near Mt Gambier, SA 


18

sArDi ten (10) 

A highly winter active variety suited to cropping rotations. Sardi Ten was bred for 

outstanding seedling vigour and rapid regrowth after cutting or grazing. 

(9) An elite Australian bred highly winter active variety from Seed Genetics 

International. SGA Alpha 1 displays strong autumn and winter/spring growth 

with vigorous recovery from cutting or grazing. SGA Alpha 1 has a high leaf to 

stem ratio with fi ne stems, particularly close to the crown of the plant, this is an 

advantage in close grazed pastures and intensive forage cutting programmes. 

The increased leaf to stem ratio will also give higher protein and digestibility. 

SGA Alpha 1 has very good disease and pest resistance. A recent replicated 

independent dryland lucerne trial conducted at Natte Yallock in central Victoria 

showed SGA Alpha 1 as one of the best yielding varieties during a period of 

extreme dry conditions. 

Trial sown: 

16/10/08 

LSD 0.05: 3477 

CV%: 7.3 

Aurora lucerne on left compared to SGA Alpha 1 lucerne on right 

at PGG Wrightson Seeds Research Station, Leigh Creek, Ballarat 


19

chArActeristics AnD reLAtiVe PerForMAnce oF 

coMMerciAL LUcerne VArieties 

Table 1: Current Lucerne Varieties 2012-13 

Variety 

Winter 

growth# 

SAA BGA PRR Anthracnose+ SN BW 

Leaf 

disease^ 

Winter-dormant 

Q31 ▲ 3 R MR HR HR HR HR ~ 

Semi winter-dormant 

Hunter River* 5 S S S S S S LR 

L56 5 HR HR HR HR HR HR HR 

SARDI Five 5 HR HR HR HR R ~ ~ 

SF Force 5 5 MR ~ HR HR HR MR ~ 

Stamina 5 ▲ 5 HR R R HR HR ~ ~ 

Venus 5 HR R MR LR ~ ~ ~ 

Winter-active 

Aurora* 6 HR HR R MR R LR LR 

Hunterfi eld* 6 HR LR S S S S ~ 

Icon 6 HR HR HR S ~ ~ HR 

SARDI Grazer 6 HR HR R R ~ ~ ~ 

Stamina ® GT6 6 HR R R HR HR ~ HR 

Flairdale 7 R HR R LR R ~ ~ 

Genesis 7 HR R R R ~ ~ ~ 

Haymaster 7 ▲ 7 HR HR HR MR R R ~ 

L70 ▲ 7 HR HR R R R R ~ 

Q75 7 HR R HR HR R MR ~ 

SARDI Seven 7 HR HR HR HR R ~ ~ 

SARDI 7 Series 2# 7.5 HR HR HR HR R ~ ~ 

SF Force 7 7 R ~ HR MR HR R ~ 

SF 714QL 7 HR HR HR MR R R ~ 

Titan 7 ▲ 7 HR R R HR ~ ~ ~ 

Trifecta* 7 R HR MR R LR R LR 

UQL-1 7 HR HR HR HR ~ ~ ~ 

Highly winter-active 

Aquarius 8 R HR HR LR R MR MR 

Hallmark 8 HR R HR HR HR ~ ~ 

Magna 801FQ ▲ 8 HR R HR MR R R ~ 

ALA Pegasis 9 HR LR R MR ~ ~ ~ 

Alfamaster 9 ▲ 9 R MR MR R HR R ~ 

CUF101* 9 R HR MR S S S ~ 

L91 9 HR HR HR HR R R ~ 

Sequel* 9 R R MR R S S S 

Sequel HR 9 R R R HR R ~ ~ 

SGA Alpha 1 9 R HR HR MR ~ ~ ~ 

Silverado 9 HR HR HR HR MR ~ ~ 

Siriver* 9 HR MR S S S S ~ 

Siriver MkII 9 HR R LR S ~ ~ ~ 

Titan 9 ▲ 9 HR R HR R-MR ~ ~ ~ 

WL 925HQ 9 HR HR HR MR R MR R 

Cropper 9.5 ® 9.5 HR HR HR MR R MR ~ 

Alfamaster 10 ▲ 10 R R R MR-R R MR ~ 

ML99 Multileaf ® 10 HR HR HR HR MR ~ ~ 

SARDI Ten 10 HR HR R R R ~ ~ 

SF Force 10 10 HR HR HR MR R LR ~ 

KEY TO TABLE 

Pest and disease resistance: HR - Highly Resistant, R - Resistant, MR - Moderately Resistant, LR - Low Resistant, S - Susceptible 

Winter Growth # : Varieties listed alphabetically within groups of increasing late autumn/winter growth (i.e. 3-very slow, 6-moderate, 10-very active. 

Dormancy groupings are not absolutely distinct; the range of dormancy is continuous. 

Leaf disease^: Combined ratings for Stemphylium and Leptosphaerulina leaf spots (QDPI&F). 

Protected by Plant Breeders Rights; ® Registered trademark; TM Trademark; ▲ New variety; # Limited supply 2012; ~ No data available 

* Public varieties not covered by licensing agreements or Plant Breeders Rights. 

+ These ratings do not refl ect all races of anthracnose (Colletotrichum trilolii). The distribution and importance of all identifi ed races in NSW is not known 

This list is compiled from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and intended as a guide only. It does not represent recommendations by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. 


20

PEST AND DISEASES OF LUCERNE 

Several insect pests and diseases can limit lucerne 

production and stand life. Their impact depends on the 

density of a pest/disease in the crop, the susceptibility 

of the variety, the age and health of the plant, and the 

seasonal conditions such as temperature, moisture and 

humidity. Not all pests are relevant in every region and/ 

or every year. 

Pest/disease resistant varieties are an important part of a 

pest/disease management strategy. Good management 

of the pests and diseases is also required to obtain a 

productive stand. 

The following pests and diseases are recognised as 

being the main ones reducing lucerne production in 

Australia, while the need for resistance to other pest and 

diseases varies, depending on the location and available 

management options. 

• SAA (spotted alfalfa aphid) can kill seedlings and 

mature plants. All varieties except Hunter River have 

some resistance. 

• BGA (blue-green aphid) can kill lucerne seedlings 

and dramatically suppress plant growth of established 

plants. BGA resistance is highly desirable. 

• PRR (phytophthora root rot) is a fungal disease 

which destroys the root system of lucerne. PRR 

resistance is essential on heavy soils or under fl ood 

irrigation. 

• Anthracnose (colletotrichum crown rot) is a 

fungal disease affecting the crown or growing point 

of lucerne. Resistance is important for hay-cutting 

stands in warm humid areas or under spray irrigation. 

• SN (stem nematode) reduces production and kills 

lucerne along the major river systems of NSW where 

at least moderate resistance is required. 

• BW (bacterial wilt) is a minor disease in NSW, but 

may be important on the coast and inland rivers in 

southern NSW and in Victoria. At least moderate 

resistance to BW is required in those areas. 

• Leaf diseases can cause severe leaf loss in irrigated 

stands and in warm humid or coastal climates. 

Resistance is an advantage but only limited data is 

available on the current range of varieties. 

BREEDING LUCERNE VARIETIES 

A lucerne variety is a genetic population of many 

genetically different plants, bred from parents with 

desired traits. However, each variety is unique and is 

widely tested in a range of locations over many years 

before it is released for sale. 

Resistance to, or tolerance of pests and diseases varies 

from plant to plant within any variety. Each variety must 

have a certain proportion of the plants with resistance, 

as approved by international protocols. 

Several seedling tests are conducted before a variety is 

given a resistance or tolerance rating. For internationally 

accepted protocols refer to the North American Alfalfa 

Improvement Committee web site: www.naaic.org 

Companies which breed lucerne varieties or sell lucerne 

varieties in Australia may test for pests and diseases 

using different protocols. (Refer to individual company 

websites or contact a company representative). 

Several new varieties have Plant Breeder’s Rights 

(PBR ) which protect a variety and hence the owners/ 

breeders under the international and Australian 

intellectual property regulations. Under PBR each 

variety is signifi ed as being distinct, uniform and stable 

for certain traits. The data/trial is verifi ed by IP Australia 

prior to granting PBR. 

PBR protection of a variety is not an indicator of 

agronomic performance or adaptation of a variety. 

Therefore, when choosing varieties it is important to 

check comparative performance data and to discuss 

these with a local agronomist. 

SEED COMPANIES 

A number of seed companies sell lucerne seed in 

Australia. Some varieties have been bred by these 

companies or their partners in Australia while others 

have originated from public breeding programmes, 

such as those of the NSW, SA and QLD governments 

or the CSIRO. Some varieties have been bred overseas 

(mostly USA) and many are tested under Australian 

conditions before their commercial release in Australia. 

COMMERCIAL VARIETIES 

Table 1 on the previous page provides information 

about the characteristics of the current commercial 

lucerne varieties available from seed retailers in NSW. 

The ratings are collated from information provided by 

breeders and seed companies. This list should be used 

in conjunction with local information to select appropriate 

varieties. 

This list is intended as a guide only. It does not represent 

results of comparative tests between these varieties 

and does not represent recommendations by NSW 

Department of Primary Industries. 

Note that different breeding programmes use different 

protocols to test variety performance. These include 

visual estimations of forage and/or physical dry matter 

measurement at each regrowth. It is wise to check the 

variety performance data for your area. 

Note also that a high level of ‘resistance’ does not 

mean the variety is immune to the pest or disease; a 

proportion of plants may still be susceptible, especially 

as seedlings or in certain environmental conditions. 

Resistant varieties may still require control measures to 

avoid yield loss, especially in seedling stand or heavy 

disease/pest infestations. 

Published by the Department of Primary Industries, a part of the Department of 

Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services. 


21

TIPS ON SUCCESSFUL LUCERNE HAYMAKING 

Quality 

What is quality lucerne hay 

High quality hay is green, leafy, soft, sweet smelling 

and pure, without any mould, weeds, and chemical 

residues or other foreign material. Methods of 

description and perception of quality can vary from 

person to person. Lucerne hay can be feed tested 

for dry matter, crude protein, metabolisable energy 

and digestibility, etc at the AsureQuality laboratory 

at Tullamarine, Victoria. This will give you a more 

accurate measurement for quality of your lucerne 

hay. Hay quality has always depended heavily on 

the weather. We have no control over the weather 

but careful management practices and timing can 

increase your chances of producing a high quality 

product. Generally speaking winter dormant varieties 

will achieve higher quality hay because they have a 

higher leaf to stem ratio with less susceptibility to leaf 

loss from disease than winter active varieties. 

Cutting 

Lucerne should be cut as low and cleanly as possible, 

without damaging the crowns (3-6cm). Avoid blunt 

mower blades as they may damage the crowns 

and encourage fungal infections: see information 

regarding timing for cutting on page 10 under Lucerne 

Management = Persistence. 

Curing 

Quick drying effectively locks in more nutrients, so 

mowing is usually done in the morning to make the 

best use of a full days drying. Mowing in the evenings 

or in cool, cloudy conditions will allow respiration to 

proceed for a longer period and nutrient losses will be 

higher. 

From cutting to baling, curing should take around 5 full 

days under dry summer weather (30 o C). 

For example – 

• Cut on Monday with mower - conditioner 

• Rake early on Wednesday 

• Rake (half turn) early on Friday 

• Bale on Friday night. 

Curing may require 5-7 rain free days under cloudy, 

cool conditions, on wet soil. On any day, cut only as 

much crop as can be baled in one day. 

Raking 

The rake operator should aim to gently move the 

curing hay to form a fluffy, raised, well-aerated windrow 

that will fill the baling machine intake. Unnecessary 

raking should be avoided because it can lead to very 

significant leaf losses. A windrow will have some 

resistance to rainfall, but it will tend to be flattened by 

the rain, so after the exposed surface has dried, the 

windrow must be raked over to invert and open it up 

to the air again. More than one raking at this stage 

should be avoided to reduce excessive losses. 

Conditioning 

The leaves of lucerne usually dry at a rate 3-5 times 

faster than stems. Conditioning aims to increase the 

drying rate of stems, so that they are ready to bale at 

the same time as leaves. Conditioning of lucerne is 

usually done with a roller conditioner, by passing the 

cut crop between two rollers. The roller is usually set 

so that the stems are marked, bruised or crushed with 

minimum markings on the leaves. 

Advantages of conditioning to reduce curing time by 

25 to 30% are 

• Less deterioration in the paddocks 

• Less risk of weather damage 

• Better quality hay of better colour 

• Better leaf retention 

High quality hay must have a higher leaf to stem ratio 


22

Baling 

Windrows should be evenly dried down to moisture 

content of about 18-20% before baling hay. Hay stored 

with greater than 20% moisture will deteriorate with 

mould and may possibly heat up in storage. Hay that 

is baled at less than 18% moisture will have leaves 

that are significantly more brittle and more prone to 

leaf shattering losses. To assess the moisture content 

of hay use experienced operators or the guidelines 

below. 

Use the following guides 

1. If a small bundle of stems from within the windrow 

is held in both hands and twisted, and the stems 

fail to break after 3 or 4 twists, the crop is probably 

too moist to bale. Also scratch the bark of the 

stems with the thumbnail. If the bark lifts, the hay 

is too moist. 

2. Do a test run 

The windrow is too moist if – 

• Crop wraps on moving parts of the baler 

• The baler engine labours unduly 

• The bales are too heavy 

• Hay lacks spring 

• There is a smear of moisture on the side of 

the baler 

The windrow is too dry if – 

• Hay shatters or is too dusty 

• There are too many leaf fragments 

• Bales are too loose and light 

3. Hay moisture meters can provide a useful guide 

but are usually accurate to only ± 2% without recalibration. 

They can also be subject to large 

sampling errors. 

4. Send a representation sample to the AsureQuality 

laboratory at Tullamarine, Victoria for an objective 

check on your assessment. 

In general, haymaking is an art that requires careful observation of changes in weather and hay conditions. 

These changes dictate the timing of many operations and good haymakers are very flexible with the time of day 

they work to achieve the best product. 


23

LUCERNE SILAGE 

A lot of lucerne stands situated in southern Victoria 

especially in the dairy areas, are cut for silage. Silage 

has the advantage over baled lucerne hay, in that 

it can be made in damp weather and usually costs 

less to produce and store. Lucerne silage is quite 

often more digestible than lucerne hay increasing 

animal performance when fed out. Silage is generally 

made by bailing the lucerne in round bales with a dry 

matter between 30% - 50%. The bales are ensiled by 

wrapping them in plastic or sealing stacks of bales 

with polythene sheeting. Cut silage can also be 

ensiled in a stack or pit but must be allowed to wilt 

to between 25% - 30% dry matter. It will take 24–48 

hours to reach this level. 

LUCERNE UNDER IRRIGATION 

High producing irrigated lucerne generally requires 

7 to 10 mega Litres/ha of irrigation water over a fullirrigated 

season. 

Irrigation can usually be applied in 10 to 15 waterings 

(ie: 2 to 3 irrigations between each cut of hay, 

depending on evaporation and rainfall, with 4 to 6 

weeks between cuts, from early October to late April). 

When water is in short supply it is possible to use less 

for lower levels of production. 

To achieve the highest yields aim to avoid any moisture 

stress. In general lucerne yield will increase in direct 

proportion to the amount of available soil moisture, 

until waterlogging becomes a problem. Temporary 

waterlogging stops plant regrowth and death occurs 

when waterlogging is prolonged. 

The layout and design of the irrigation area should 

permit irrigation and drainage within 8 hours to minimise 

waterlogging. Also, water exposed to strong sunlight 

can heat up and cause scald in lucerne stands. Where 

the risk of scald is high, do not irrigate immediately 

after hay has been harvested. Wait until there is at 

least 5-10cm of new growth before irrigating. 

To maximise lucerne yields, irrigate before symptoms 

of drought stress appear in the crop. Signs of drought 

stress are wilting, dull green or “bluish” crop colour, 

lower leaves yellowing and falling and slow regrowth 

after cutting. 

SPS Lucerne field day near Frances SA, inspecting Icon lucerne under centre pivot irrigation 


24

signAtUre rAnge ® 

TONIC FINISHER BLENDS 

SPS TONIC ‘N’ LUCERNE 

“A SPECIALISED GRAZING PERENNIAL PASTURE WITH THE CAPABILITIES OF PROVIDING 

HIGH QUALITY FEED ALL YEAR ROUND” 

Contents: 

Benefits: 

• Contains two highly specialised grazing tolerant 

species that complement each other and are 

capable of supporting high animal performance 

• The inclusion of Tonic plantain with lucerne 

provides increased autumn/winter activity when 

the lucerne component is predominately winter 

dormant thus not affecting persistence 

• Well documented high quality forage from the 

lucerne through spring/summer and autumn 

given the right conditions 

• Lucerne has a high nitrogen fi xation providing 

the nitrogen required for Tonic plantain, thus 

increasing the overall quality and productivity of 

the pasture. 

• Tonic provides key minerals which benefi t the 

animal therefore reducing animal health issues 

associated with grazing lucerne 

• Highly persistent under a rotational grazing system 

Optimum 1st 

grazing 

‘Pull test’ approx 

10-12 weeks 

Best stock 

option 

Prime lambs, 

twin bearing 

ewes 

Rainfall 

500mm+ 

sowing guide 

SPS Tonic ‘N’ Lucerne 

Soil 

type 

Sandy 

- loam 

Close up of Tonic ‘n’ Lucerne stand. Picture taken 

late winter when lucerne is dormant. Note: increased 

winter activity of Tonic plantain 

Fertility 

Medium 

- high 

Pest 

awareness 

RLEM, slugs, 

lucerne flea 

Sowing 

rate 

500-650mm 

10 kg/ha 

650mm+ 

12 kg/ha 

* Optimum sowing time can vary depending on climatic conditions. 

• Tonic plantain is SPS KickStart ® treated for protection from Red Legged Earthmite (RLEM). Stamina ® 5 is Superstrike ® coated. 

Optimum 

sowing time * 

Spring 

September-October 

Autumn 

March-April 


25

sPs tonic ‘n’ LUcerne 

SPS Tonic ‘N’ Lucerne at Woolsthorpe, Victoria. Photo taken late winter 


26

SPS LEADING THE WAY WITH SEED COATING 

SPS are wholesale seed merchants and have been trading and specialising 

in pasture and lawn seed for over 55 years. 

We have invested in state of the art seed coating equipment to produce quality 

treated seed. 

This investment enables a higher quality coat, accurate application of specifi c 

chemicals and faster, more effi cient throughput of product. 

All these advantages are passed onto the farmer through an improved, high 

quality product. 

The Benefits of 

Coated Seed 

SowEasy legume seed is inoculated with the correct strain 

of nitrogen fi xing bacteria to enhance plant growth, ensuring 

successful legume production in your pasture. Note nodulation on 

legume roots as pictured. 

Benefits of SowEasy Coated Seed 

• Rhizobia shelf life on coated seed giving sowing time 

fl exibility. 

• Increased seedling emergence and survival compared to 

untreated seed. 

The other benefi t of SowEasy seed coating is that we are able to bring you 

a better quality seed coat through the use of new powders, polymers and 

adhesives and the added advantage of reducing the weight gain applied to 

the seed. Meaning that you are actually getting more seed in your bag with 

SowEasy seed. 

SowEasy seed has a coating ratio of 1:1.6 that is a 60% weight gain. Some 

commercial coaters are working on coating ratios of 1:1.9 that is a 90% weight 

gain. 

Never forget the fresher the coated seed the better. 

SPS use Nodulaid inoculants on all coated seed. 

SPS SowEasy coated seed always shows the coating ratio on the tag. 

coMing soon: 

Poncho ® Plus Seed Treatment Insecticide 

Bayer CropScience is currently seeking registration for Poncho ® Plus seed treatment insecticide as it protects 

establishing plants from a broader range of common pasture pests than Gaucho ® . Poncho ® Plus can be applied to 

pasture seed including ryegrass, clovers, lucerne, brassica, herbs, maize and forage sorghum. Stephen Pasture 

Seeds is currently trialling Poncho Plus compared to other seed treatments to assess the pasture production 

advantages with the results to be presented at fi eld days in 2014. 


27


Treated Seed 

SPS KickStart ® treated seed contains Gaucho ® insecticide. Gaucho ® 

protects seedlings for the critical period after germination from 

numerous biting and sucking insects, is systemic and is rapidly 

absorbed by the seed. This results in a rapid translocation to cotyledons 

and leaves. It has a strong anti-feeding action against predators. Using 

Gaucho ® insecticide on the seed is safe on benefi cial organisms, such 

as ladybirds and earthworms. 

Gaucho ® should always be used as part of an overall pest management 

programme. It is always advisable to use a bare earth insecticide 

spray to reduce overall pest populations before planting. 

Death of newly germinated plants is frequently caused by fungi, which live in the soil and attack the seed or 

seedlings. Where registered, appropriate fungicides are included with KickStart treated seeds to protect against 

pythium, phytophthora root rot and damping off. For lucerne, Apron fungicide is included in the coating process. 

The consequences of fungal damage to legume pastures are: 

• Reduced plant populations 

• Reduced vigour of surviving plants 

• Reduced resistance to other stresses such as insect attack 

The fungicides are taken up by the emerging roots and transported throughout the root system and leaves of 

the young plants, protecting it from within, during the early stages of development, for a period of approximately 

3-4 weeks after sowing. 


Coated Seed 

Combining the advantages of ‘SowEasy’ coated seed 

together with the ‘KickStart’ treatment to offer growers 

the advantages of ‘ready to sow’ seed. 

• Works from the moment the seed is planted 

• Protects each seedling during the vulnerable 

establishment stage 

• Even and faster emergence of legumes, allowing 

broadleaf weeds to be targeted earlier with 

selected herbicides 

trust sPs seed treatments 

Stephen Pasture Seeds are members of the Australian Seed Federation (ASF) and subscribe 

to the ASF Code of Practice. 

Our seed is treated according to industry guidelines and when you see the Code of Practice 

logo, rest assured you are purchasing a quality product. 


28

NEW NODULATOR GRANULES 

NOW AVAILABLE AT 

POTENT GRANULAR INOCULANTS FOR SOWING IN FURROW WITH SEED 

BASF - The Chemical Company have appointed SPS as their distributor for inoculant. 

All inoculants are stored in our custom built cool room. 

The new Nodulator is a powerful clay based inoculant granule ready-to-sow with seed. Nodulator is sown through 

the drill for effective in-furrow legume and pulse crop inoculation. It ensures germinating seedling roots are in 

close proximity to potent rhizobia for successful nodulation. Nodulator is sown with the seed through the seeder 

at a sowing rate of 6 kg/ha. It is packaged in 25kg bags and has a distinct advantage over Nodulaid inoculant 

packs as it is easy to use, has a longer shelf life (approx 12 months), however it does need to be stored in a cool 

dry environment. 

Listed below is an up to date Legume Inoculant Group Chart showing what is available in both Nodulaid packs 

and the Nodulator Granules. 

Nodulator 

GROUP TYPE 

USED FOR INOCULATING 

Max. weight 

of seed to be 

treated 

Std 

Pack 

Large 

Pack 

Granules 

Sowing Rate 

(6kg/ha) 

7 inch row spacing # 

AL Lucerne, Strand and Disc Medic 25 125 p 

AM Annual Medics except Strand and Disc 50 

B White, Red, Strawberry, Alsike, Suckling, Berseem, Cluster Clover 25 125 

C All Sub Clovers, Crimson, Balansa Clover, Arrowleaf Clover, Persian Clover 25 125 p 

D Lotus 10 

E* Pea, Field Pea, Vetch, Tare, Narbon Bean 500 p 

F* 

Faba Bean, Tick or Broad Bean, 500 p 

Lentil 250 p 

G* Lupin, Yellow, Pink, Hybrid Slender Serradella (seeds and pods) 500 p 

N* Chickpea 500 p 

*These inoculants contain Celstik (a built-in adhesive and stabiliser) 

# 

Application rate varies according to row spacings, for more information contact BASF - The Chemical Company on 1800 558 399 

NOTE: Please check expiry dates on each packet/bag, expired stock must not be used. Inoculants must be stored in a cool, dry place. 

Also Available Through SPS 

SeedStik (seed coating adhesive) - For use in inoculating pasture and legume seed 

25kg 

Nodulator ensures effective nodulation: 

• Australian made under certified ISO9001 quality standards 

• Prolonged inoculant life allows early sowing ahead of rain 

• No need to inoculate and sow seed just-in-time 

• No mess, no urgency, no wasted time, ready-to-sow when you are 

• Clay based rhizobium impregnated granule 

• Uniform, free-flowing dust free granule 

• Guaranteed high rhizobia loading – Low sowing rate (6kg/ha) 

• Formulation for Lucerne, Lupins, Faba Beans, Field Peas, Chickpeas and other 

legume crops 

• Safe to sow Nodulator in soil with seed treated by fungicide and insecticide. Can 

safely be mixed with small seed. Do not mix with fertiliser in same seeding box. 


29

AUSTRALIAN SEED FEDERATION 

CODE OF PRACTICE 

At Stephen Pasture Seeds we are very proud to be 

amongst the first group of companies in Australia 

to have passed the accreditation process for the 

Australian Seed Federation Code (ASF) of Practice 

and you will see the logo on many of our products. 

The ASF Code of Practice was launched in August 

1999 as a National Code of Practice for Seed Labelling 

and Marketing. All members of the ASF are bound to 

abide by the requirements of the Code of Practice and 

members can apply for accreditation for use of the 

Code of Practice logo. 

Farmers and retailers will in time start to see the logo 

as an indication that they can have confidence in 

that product. The logo can only be used or applied 

by ASF members who have passed the necessary 

accreditation to be licensed to apply the logo to 

seed bags, labels and documentation. As part of the 

accreditation process companies must prove that they 

have quality systems in place to be able to abide by 

the rules of the Code of Practice, plus also have the 

necessary systems in place to trace all seed lines and 

thus be able to label according to the Code of Practice. 

The main features of the Code of Practice are that 

false or untrue claims cannot be made about a variety. 

Similarly marketing or advertisements must not 

infer something that is not correct or is misleading. 

Comparison of varieties must be factual, fair and 

capable of substantiation. 

A large part of the Code of Practice is to do with 

labelling of seed. In general every written statement 

made regarding a parcel of seed by a vendor, 

constitutes a warranty by the vendor that all particulars 

contained in the statement are true and correct. 

Seed must be labelled in a consistent manner so as 

to give correct information to the purchaser as to the 

actual physical purity and germination of that seed lot. 

All seed labelled under the Code of Practice logo must 

have current details available for that seed lot, and 

must be labelled accordingly. A Seed Testing Analysis 

Certificate must be made available for all seed on 

request. 

The Code of Practice strives to ensure that consumers 

are provided with consistent and accurate information 

to enable them to make informed decisions about the 

suitability of seed for sowing. 

MORE INFORMATION 

SPS recommends three publications that provide excellent, more detailed information regarding lucerne: 

Irrigated Lucerne - A Guide to Profitable Irrigated Lucerne Hay Production in Northern Victoria and 

Southern New South Wales. 

By Sam Lolicato and Mary-Anne Lattimore. 

This publication can be obtained from your local Department of Primary Industries. 

Success with Lucerne 

By Mark Stanley, Ross Britton & Raymond Christinat. 

Lucerne Pests & Disorders: The Ute Guide 

Developed by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries in conjunction with GRDC 

www.grdc.com.au 

STEPHEN PASTURE SEEDS PRODUCED THIS PUBLICATION. 

REPRODUCTION OF ANY OR ALL OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY ONLY BE DONE WITH PERMISSION 

AND THEN ONLY BY ACKNOWLEDGING THE SOURCE. 


30

THE SPS TEAM 

Peter Le Lievre 

Manager 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Jim Stephen 

Business Development 

Manager 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Mark Lomas 

Operations Manager 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Lyndal Picone 

Administration 

Manager 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Anna Johns 

Marketing Manager 

Ph: 0400 791 239 

Michael Grant 

Western District/ 

Sales Manager 

Ph: 0417 059 485 

Simon Hunt 

Gippsland & Melbourne 

Area Manager 

Ph: 0428 457 044 

Adrian Carter 

South Australia 

Area Manager 

Ph: 0412 508 668 

Mark Palmer 

Northern Victoria 

Area Manager 

Ph: 0400 895 650 

Blair McCormick 

Technical Extension/ 

Tasmania Area Manager 

Ph: 0418 513 156 

Anthony Streeter 

Sales Agronomist & 

Stock Control 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Shaun Mahony 

Graduate Sales 

Agronomist 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Margaret Brown 

Administration & 

Marketing 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Judith Wood 

Administration 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Mal Satchel 

Customer Service & 

Warehouse 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Matt Gear 

Facility Manager 

Ph: 03 5335 8055 

Clinton Dickie 

Warehouse 

John Van der Horn 

Warehouse 

Lee Delgeish 

Warehouse 

Andrew Doig 

Warehouse 

Results will vary depending on all the circumstances. Stephen Pasture Seeds (SPS) and its officers, employees, contractors, agents, advisers and licensors of 

intellectual property provide no assurances, guarantees or warranties in relation to any advice, information, cultivar, product or endophyte referred to or recommended, 

except those that by law must be provided. To the extent permitted by law SPS excludes all liability, and has no liability to anyone, however arising, from or in relation to 

any advice, information, cultivar, product or endophyte referred to or recommended, or the use of any such advice, information, cultivar, product or endophyte. If SPS 

has any liability then the total liability in relation to the advice, information, cultivar, product or endophyte is limited to the greatest extent permitted by law, and to the 

extent permitted by law not include any liability for loss of income, profits, savings, goodwill or for any indirect or consequential loss or special or exemplary damages 

or exceed the total monetary payment received by SPS in relation to the advice, information, cultivar or endophyte in respect of which the liability arises. 


31

NOTES: 

Would you like to receive further publications from Stephen Pasture Seeds 

Email, Post, Fax or Call with your details 

sps@stephenseeds.com.au, 27 Wiltshire Lane, Ballarat 3356, Ph: 03 5335 8055, Fax: 03 5335 8088 

Name: ............................................................................................. 

Mailing Address: ....................................................................................................................................... 

.................................................................................................................. Post Code: ............................. 

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